Greater Than.. Less Than.. (1510)

Distinguishing between the less than and greater than symbols can be tricky for students. I do not blame them though; the symbols < and > are very similar. The "less than" sign can be used to show that one value is smaller than the other, such as 3<5. The "greater than" sign is then used to show that one value is larger than the other, 6>2.

There a few learning techniques that can help students to remember the differences between the two. Looking at the picture below can help teach students that the small end always points to the small number, and the big end opens up to the big number.



Another common approach to these two tricky symbols references an alligator. The alligator method uses the symbols as a representation of an alligator mouth. The alligator allows wants to eat the larger number, so it will be opened up towards the larger number.   
*Alligator Tune (try this in your class to help students remember)